What does it mean to be healthy?

For hundreds of years, scholars and practitioners have studied the ways we can cultivate a healthy life. The World Health Organization defines health as “complete physical, mental, and social well-being – and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Many Indigenous cultures incorporate spirituality and connection with the natural environment into definitions of health and wellbeing. Others see strong connections between good health and enjoying meaning and purpose in life.

Health and wellness are deeply personal experiences that are greatly impacted by what are known as the social determinants of health, the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, as well as the wider set of systems that shape the circumstances of daily life. These include elements such as access to education, timely and good quality healthcare, and basic needs like clean drinking water, safe shelter and nourishing food.

Durham College (DC) recognizes the many factors that can influence students’ wellness and is committed to providing a campus that supports your wellbeing. The pathways of wellness are plentiful, and DC invites you to explore the topics in the list on the left to start to build your personal path towards a healthy and meaningful life.